Jean Nishimura
Jean’s other passions are music and reading for pleasure. Having studied piano and music theory privately, she and her son received Certificates of Merit through the advanced level from the Music Teachers’ Association of California. This association presented both of them with Branch Honors. For 25 years, Jean has been in a book club. The remaining members of her book club hope to continue it as long as they can.
Although Jean looks forward to her travels and experiencing new places she appreciates living in sunny southern California. She enjoys her leisure time spent with Jeff and their maltipoo Rocket, and she loves her visits with their friends, extended family, and grown children.
As an author, her goal is to help children recognize and celebrate their special gifts. It is her hope to inspire children to embrace a positive mindset and to apply their own special qualities with confidence.
Jean Miki Nishimura is an Intervention Teacher/Reading Specialist. She has a BA in Psychology and Diversified Liberal Arts, an MA in Education, and a Multiple Subject and a Specialist Instruction in Reading and Language Arts Credential. She works as a pension/retirement planning advisor within the financial industry, and was recognized as an Influential Woman in 2026. Jean is an alumna of UCLA and CSUN.
Celebrating Jean Miki Nishimura:
2026 Influential Woman
We are thrilled to announce that Jean Miki Nishimura has been officially recognized as an Influential Woman in 2026!
Jean’s diverse and impactful career spans both education and the financial services industry. As an Intervention Teacher and Reading Specialist, she has dedicated many years to supporting student achievement and literacy development.
Beyond her professional roles, Jean is a celebrated children’s book author. She uses her heartwarming stories, including The Head in the Clouds Duckling and Look Up and Hear the Music, to help children embrace their unique gifts and develop a positive mindset.
Featured Article by Jean
Jean is deeply passionate about empowering others with the knowledge they need to succeed. Check out her insightful writing on how artists and creatives can secure their financial futures:
In this article, Jean shares her personal journey and professional expertise on building a strong financial foundation so artists can focus on what they do best: creating.
Invite Jean to Your Next Event!
Jean loves visiting schools, libraries, and community events to share her stories and inspire children to celebrate their individuality.
Her interactive presentations encourage kids to read, dream, and believe in their own unique gifts.
Sweet Notes from Readers
As someone who writes for children and deeply cares about helping shy kids grow into confident leaders, this story touched my heart. Hank reminded me of so many little ones I’ve met—full of wonder, easily distracted, yet brimming with potential. The Head in the Clouds Duckling is an imaginative adventure that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and finding your own place in the world. Jean Nishimura has created a gem that families and classrooms will cherish.
~ Chelsea Chong Kim
Award-Winning Author of the Carol the Carrot Series, Podcast Host, Content Creator, Educator
A charming story with beautiful illustrations that stresses the importance of never giving up and keeping one’s cultural roots alive.
~ Sandra Martin-Denis
Author of Why the Turtle Walks So Slowly and Marisol Can’t Sleep
With gentle storytelling and a subtle message about the importance of being alert and listening to your instincts, The Head in the Clouds Duckling is perfect for ages 4-8. It is a beautiful story that reassures children it’s okay to be unique and that sometimes, being a little different can help save the day.
~ Liliana Tommasini
Award-Winning Children’s Book Author
This story is a love letter to music and shows the discipline and passion required to confidently share that love with others. Throughout the whole story, the music invokes specific imagery and memories for the young musician, Miki. It reveals how the musician’s own relationship to performing their art is just as magical as how it is received by the audience. Miki’s experiences of music transporting her elsewhere are deeply relatable to any fellow creatives. I adore how it’s a story that demonstrates what loving mentorship looks like, exemplified through encouraging adults, and how a child finds her inner confidence to share her love of music.
~ Allie Nerderman
MA, LPCC, Mental Health Counselor, Capybara Counseling, LLC
Stay Connected
Jean loves hearing from readers, teachers, and families! Share how her book inspired your little one, invite her to your school or library, or just drop by to say hello — she’d be thrilled to hear from you!
Stay in Touch!
Follow Jean for book updates, reading fun, and little glimpses behind the scenes of her creative world.
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